2004 MINI Cooper: complete transmission failure

Filed Nov 12, 2013 · Acceleration, Engine · 87,000 miles · MN

I have a 2004 mini cooper it has recently reached 87000 miles and the CVT transmission is failing. Normally you change your transmission fuel every 25,000 to 50,000 miles. My model mini cooper hatchback does not come with a reservoir to change such a fuel it was a guarantee by the manufacturer that these models would not need such a service and that the transmission would be fine throughout the lifetime of the car. What worries me is that I have not been able to drive my mini over 50mph due to the increase of RPM's. Without the speed increase it is not safe for me to drive on the highways as I normally would. A CVT transmission replacement could cost thousands. But more importantly I'm worried about my safety its possible that my transmission could fail while mobile. Thats my main concern. I recently read that there has been a lawsuit addressing these issues. It is bmw's due diligence to address this matter seeing how thousands of citizens are operating this machinery on a daily basis.

Filed Apr 10, 2013 · Engine, Transmission · 34,700 miles · OH

I was driving down i80 and my car started to kick and sputter then the engine light went on and I dropped speeds and almost got rear ended by the car behind me he swerved honked his horn and gave me the finger. I took it to a shop and they told me the transmission needs to be replaced and the number three cylinder blew out and I would need to replace the headgasket and refurbish the engine. When I first bought the car it would periodically kick and stall out on me I took it back to the dealer ship they told me it was just the engine breaking in. A couple weeks later I saw the oil was a little low and again it kicked and stalled. I took it back in they said they had to reprogram the tranny.

Filed Aug 5, 2011 · Transmission · 87,000 miles · PA

I have a 2004 mini cooper with 87,000 miles on it. There were no events leading up to the total CVT transmission failure that took place last friday 07/29/11. I was entering into a large intersection when the car started bucking and rattling. I just made it into a hess station parking lot (thank goodness there was one there) when it wouldn't go any further. I had it towed to a local transmission shop and they said that the trans was dead and I was going to need a new one. They informed me that there aren't any rebuilt options and the new trans is going to cost me $5000 + $1200 for labor. I have done a bunch of research on these CVT transmissions and apparently they have been a huge problem and bmw/mini haven't done anything about it. I think it is a disgrace that this continues to happen and cost people thousands of dollars. Something needs to be done asap!!!!

Filed Jul 27, 2011 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · CA

2004 mini cooper with 60k miles. Transmission failed and was advised by mini cooper dealer needs replacement, makes whining noise at higher speeds. Have not driven car since april 2011. Can not afford $5k replacement cost.

Filed Jan 13, 2011 · Transmission · 58,000 miles · IL

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 mini copper. The contact was driving 55 MPH in order to pass another vehicle when the transmission failed and made it difficult to increase speed. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer several times prior to the transmission failing and was told to only use premium gasoline. The contact made the change and within a few months, the transmission failed. The failure and current mileages were 58,000.

Filed May 12, 2010 · Transmission · 117,000 miles · TN

Transmission failure made car stop in traffic.

Filed Mar 30, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · FL

2004 mini cooper with motor mount, electrical, flat tire sensors issues. Cvt transmission replacement recommended. *tgw one day while driving on the highway, the vehicle just stopped; dead no power. The consumer stated the vehicle is sitting in the garage un-drivable because she doesn't have the $8,000 to replace the CVT transmission.

Filed Jan 15, 2010 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · PA

My 2004 mini coopers transmission failed at 80k miles with no warning. Luckily I was in a parking lot and not on the highway, where I could have been killed. The cost of replacing the tranny was $7,000. Mini USA was useless when I pleaded with them to help me. After reading about all of the other complaints with the CVT trans, I can't believe there was no recall. I will never buy a mini again. I still owe $11,000 on the car and cannot afford another.

Filed Oct 2, 2009 · Transmission · 74,000 miles · CA

Our 2004 mini cooper (CVT) automatic transmission needs to be replaced. The car has only 74,000 mile on it.

Filed Jul 18, 2009 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · PA

2004 mini cooper non s , transmission failure due to a midland transmission.

Filed May 9, 2008 · Transmission · 51,234 miles · PA

For absolutely no reason the manual transmission failed and locked up causing me to loose control of the vehicle at 40mph. No injuries or damage to the vehicle as I was able to control the slide. However I have spoken to both dealer and manufacture and they both admit the transmissions in these vehicles both automatic and manual are weak and can cause failure at any speed which will result in lockup of the front tires. Numerous reports from other mini cooper owners show the same. The transmission was replaced in this vehicle 3 years ago for the same problem. Now it needs replaced again. The only repair is to put a rebuilt unit in place with the same weak gears. Mini no longer warranties the repairs as of 2008 because of the problems. I got lucky but I carry my 3yr old son with me most of the time and this does not feel like a safe vehicle considering out of nowhere with no warning this failure could occur again. Both mini USA, bmw have been very unhelpful in the matter unless I'm willing to pay over $1000 to have it towed to a mini cooper dealer just to have it looked at.

Filed Mar 13, 2008 · Transmission · 56,700 miles · MN

Total transmission failure at 57,000 miles. Warranty just ran out, quoted price to replace transmission, clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing $7,000 minimum. Dealer refuses to accept any responsibility.